Overview

Our one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) prepares you to teach the drama secondary school curriculum.

You’ll learn about the theories and practical methods that form the basis of drama education. You’ll explore topics including theatre design, devising drama to captivate audiences, key practitioners (such as Konstantin Stanislavski and Bertolt Brecht), and studies of texts, from Shakespeare to Priestley’s An Inspector Calls.

At the beginning of the course, you’ll visit a number of secondary schools in order to observe a variety of drama lessons. This will provide you with an opportunity to reflect upon the different approaches to teaching and learning in drama.

We teach most of our sessions through practical demonstration and you’ll study mainly with your PGCE Drama group but there will also be opportunities to collaborate with students in other subject areas such as English, maths and science.

You’ll experiment with ways in which drama is used as a teaching tool across the whole school curriculum to support numeracy and literacy or to bring history to life. You’ll also consider how to plan lessons, reflect on your planning, learn how research can develop your teaching practice, and look at ways to develop your teacher persona.

Features and Benefits

You’ll have the skills and experience to teach drama at Key Stage 3, GCSE and A/AS level.

You’ll spend at least 120 days on placements in schools, gaining experience in mainstream secondary schools.

You can choose University-led, School Direct or Assessment-only routes to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

You may have the opportunity to apply for an overseas teaching experience, if you are enrolled on the university-led course.

When you graduate, you’ll achieve 60 masters’ level credits (this is one third of a masters degree, and you can usually put these credits towards your future studies)

We have a partnership of over 400 schools, colleges and educational organisations, meaning we are able to provide students with a range of school experiences.

ESRI ranks in the UK’s top 20 for research power in Education (Research Excellence Framework 2014) and recent research sponsors include the Department of Education; welcome Trust; European Union; Esmée Fairbairn Foundation; Barclays; Microsoft; Siemens and LEGO

Career Prospects

Most of our graduates go on to work as drama teachers in secondary schools.

When you graduate, you’ll achieve 60 masters’ level credits. You could put these towards a masters degree to help you develop your career in the field of education.

Entry requirements

Degree

You will normally have a minimum of a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree awarded by a UK university, or an equivalent higher education qualification. Your degree needs to support the subject knowledge requirements of the National Curriculum for Drama. For exceptional candidates, particularly those with substantial relevant work experience in schools or relevant occupations, we will consider applications from those who hold a 3rd class degree.

GCSEs You will also need GCSEs at grade C/4 or above in English Language and Mathematics. However, applicants are able to apply with GCSEs pending for this course as we can offer MMU GCSE Equivalency tests.

We do not accept the following qualifications as equivalent to GCSE: Adult numeracy and literacy, Functional Skills or Key Skills

Experience in educational settings

Successful candidates will demonstrate a good understanding of teaching and learning within a secondary school setting.

Candidates may wish to evidence their understanding by drawing on related examples or experiences, such as time spent in schools or other learning settings.

Professional skills tests in Numeracy and Literacy

All PGCE applicants will need to pass pre-entry Professional Skills Tests in Numeracy and Literacy. We recommend you check the Department of Education website at www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching for the latest updates.

A Disclosure and Barring Service Check and DfE Fitness to Teach test are also required.

Course details

On the University-led and School Direct PGCE routes, you’ll have lectures and seminars at Manchester Met and spend at least 120 days on placements in schools across Greater Manchester.

At University, you’ll mainly study with the trainees in your drama group. You’ll learn how to plan and deliver lessons through interactive and hands-on workshops.

Although you’ll mostly learn with your group, you’ll attend critical skills lectures and workshops once a week in mixed groups with students from other subject areas.

These sessions help you to develop skills outside of your subject knowledge. Some of the topics you’ll explore include behaviour management, mental health and emotional wellbeing, teacher persona, and non-verbal communication (such as body language).

You’ll also develop your research skills during these lectures, analysing the latest educational research and theories. Understanding research means that if you have an issue in the classroom (such as challenging behaviour or inclusion) you can explore research and use it to guide your teaching.

At the beginning of this course, we go on a group trip to a Manchester based theatre, such as HOME. You’ll hear from the theatre’s educational team and explore facilities to help students develop their knowledge of drama.

During your first couple of weeks, we’ll help you to develop the organisational skills you’ll need as a drama teacher (such as carrying out assessments and dealing with paperwork).

We’ll also give you a full overview of the year and the lesson planning activities you’ll be doing, to help you to stay organised throughout the course.

When you go for interviews for your first teaching post, you’ll be expected to present a portfolio of your work alongside your interview. To make sure your portfolio is ready for interviews, you’ll work on it from December. This gives you time to make sure that you have all of the pieces of work you’d like to showcase to schools.

You’ll go on your first block placement in late September, where you’ll put the skills you’ve learnt at University into practice and build your confidence in the classroom. You’ll be involved in all aspects of teaching, from marking work to delivering lessons to helping with parents’ evenings.

When you’re on placement, you’ll have a school mentor (often the class teacher) to help you with day-to-day matters, and receive regular visits from your personal tutor and visiting tutor.

In the spring term, you’ll complete a short placement in a primary school. This experience helps to broaden your knowledge of teaching methods and develop your teaching skills.

If you are on the university-led route, you can also apply to spend a short time overseas at the end of placement B, gaining teaching experience in an international school. In previous years, trainees across the PGCE courses have taught at British International Schools in Kazakhstan, Cyprus and Norway, and public schools in France.

When you graduate, you’ll gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Drama, and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) to work in the 11 - 16 age range with post 16 enhancement.

You’ll also be awarded 60 masters’ credits (a masters degree is 180 credits), which you could put towards further study and career development.

Trainees will engage with current educational issues and recent and relevant research in order to further develop your understanding and to generate challenging and lively debate.

There will be a focus on:

Promoting an inclusive learning and teaching environment

Working in multi-professional teams

Creating a climate for learning in the classroom

Learning and teaching strategies

Managing students' behaviour

Planning and evaluating students' learning

Developing knowledge and understanding of teachers' professional responsibilities

Read more about this year of study

Core Units

Subject Pedagogy (Drama)

This double-weighted unit seeks to develop your ability to reconceptualise your knowledge and understanding in the subject and to apply this to your planning, preparation and classroom teaching in an effective manner.

This unit is inextricably linked with the other units which run concurrently and enable the unit outcomes to be demonstrated in a range of complementary contexts. This unit is designed to extend your interest, knowledge and confidence in your subject, as a subject within the curriculum and to extend your development of an analytical and critical attitude towards the teaching and learning of your subject in classroom, group and individual contexts. This unit will develop your understanding of pupils’ response to teaching strategies, to help you to plan for a gradualist approach to teaching and the broadening context of your experiences.

Reflection on Professional Development

The Reflection on Professional Development unit will enable you to critically reflect on your learning experiences through the lens of key theoretical ideas and research, and to monitor and evaluate your ongoing professional development against programme outcomes and the Teachers’ Standards. The unit continues throughout the programme and culminates in the submission of a digital reflective portfolio that traces your professional development and connects theory and practice.

Critical Studies

The unit, through research and reflection on practice, will explore critical and professional issues i.e. the nature of an inclusive school curriculum, Assessment for Learning, Equality and Diversity, Classroom Management and Behaviour for Learning. You will be encouraged to reflect on your wider individual and collective professional experience in school and, through research and group discussion, develop individual responses in relation to your own practice. The unit is linked to the Subject Pedagogy unit and will develop your understanding of the wider professional role of the teacher and the classroom context in which subject teaching takes place. The assessment of the unit will be based on the your work in the Placement B school during the Development and Assessment phase of the programme.

Placement B

This practice credit unit is two of two practice credit units that enables you to demonstrate your progress toward meeting the Teachers' Standards for Qualified Teacher Status. It provides contexts in which you can put into practice your own learning, reflect on your actions, evaluate your role in relation to pupils’ learning and review your performance in supporting teaching and learning in a more autonomous fashion.

Placement A

This practice credit unit is one of two practice credit units that enables you to demonstrate your progress toward meeting the Standards for Qualified Teacher Status. It provides contexts in which you can put into practice your own learning, reflect on their actions, evaluate your role in relation to pupils’ learning and review your performance in supporting teaching and learning.

Assessment weightings and contact hours

10 credits equates to 100 hours of study, which is a combination of lectures, seminars and practical sessions, and independent study. A Masters qualification typically comprises of 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits and an MFA 300 credits. The exact composition of your study time and assessments for the course will vary according to your option choices and style of learning, but it could be:

Study

Assessment

Full-time 50% coursework; 50% practical; 0% examination

Additional information about this course

Fitness to teach - You will be required to complete an Occupational Health Assessment to ensure that your health does not constitute a barrier to the achievement of the programme learning outcomes or eligibility to apply for registration with the professional body. This will require the completion of a health questionnaire before or during the first few weeks of your course, followed by an occupational health screening appointment if required. Travel costs to appointments (which will be within the Greater Manchester area) will not be covered by the University. Professional Suitability - Students on programmes leading to professional qualifications are required to adhere to professional standards and codes of practice during their studies. Failure to do so may lead to exclusion from the programme on the grounds of professional unsuitability. Students will be briefed about the requirements at the start of their studies. Course specific regulations - Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies require students to achieve results that demonstrate their ability to practise safely.

Placements options

On this one-year course, you’ll spend a minimum of 120 days on placements in schools.

We know that teaching a class can be daunting, so we’ll help to prepare you before you start your placements. You’ll have a gradual introduction to teaching, observing, getting to know your, pupils, classes and the teachers, before having the opportunity to teach classes on your own.

You’ll go to at least two contrasting mainstream secondary schools (such as a school in a rural setting or an inner city comprehensive) or colleges and a primary school.

On your placements, you might experience inner city or rural settings, mixed and single gender schools, City Academies, Comprehensive and Selective Schools, 11-16, 11-18, sixth form, and further education colleges. This variety helps you to experience different situations and further develop your practical skills as a teacher.

Department information

Teaching Staff

School of Teacher Education and Professional Development

Our School of Teacher Education and Professional Development was established over 100 years ago and specialises in training teachers and education professionals.

The department is home to three main areas in primary and secondary teacher education and professional development, and has partnerships with over 1,500 regional schools, colleges and educational organisations.

Taught by experts

Your studies are supported by a team of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field. We also work with external professionals, many of whom are Manchester Met alumni, to enhance your learning and appreciation of the wider subject.

Fees

UK and EU students

UK and EU students: Full-time fee: £9,250 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Non-EU and Channel Island students

Non-EU international and Channel Island students: Full-time fee: £16,500 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Additional Information

A Masters qualification typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits, and an MFA 300 credits. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of study provided the course is completed in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Additional costs

Specialist Costs

All of the books required for the course are available from the library. The University also has PC labs and a laptop loan service. However, many students choose to buy some of the core textbooks for the course and/or a laptop. Students may also need to print their assignments and other documents. Campus printing costs start from 5p per page. Estimated costs are £300 for a laptop up to £100 each year for books and printing.

Placement Costs

If you are applying through the School Direct route, the lead school will take responsibility for arranging all practice credit units including placement experiences. You should expect some travel to other schools e.g. for your second placement.

Professional Costs

DBS Checks - Before starting on your course, you must undergo a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check (Enhanced Disclosure). At the time of going to press, ITET applicants do not have to pay for the first DBS check. If you cannot attend a DBS session at the University before the start of the course, you can use the UK Post Office Document Certification Service, which costs approximately £10. Responsibility for DBS clearance on employment based and CPD programmes normally lies with your employer and not the University. Where a new DBS check is required for placement but not supported by your employer, the University will pay the cost of your first check. If you are not a UK citizen, or if you have lived in one country outside the UK for six or more months in the last five years, you must where this is possible obtain a police clearance certificate from the country in which you resided, in addition to the Disclosure and Barring Service check. You must supply a certified translation if the certificate does not automatically include this. Costs vary and can include fingerprint and translation fees where required. Returning students, who have already had a DBS certificate from Manchester Met and who need a second DBS certificate, for example, due to a suspension of study, are required to pay the DBS fee. Please go to our DBS webpage for more details and for current DBS fees: http://www.mmu.ac.uk/dbs /Membership of the Design and Technology Association (DATA) is encouraged, but is not mandatory.

Your new home

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University isn’t just about learning. It’s about living. Find out all you need to know about accommodation here.

Being at university isn’t just about learning. It’s about living. Before you arrive, we’ll make sure you know where to go and what to do. And once you’re settled in, our team’s ready to support you during your stay.

From apartments and eco-friendly townhouses, to en-suite and standard rooms, we have all sorts of accommodation on (or near) campus. Whichever option is right for you, you’ll have a room complete with desk, heater, and storage, together with a shared kitchen, laundry facilities and free WiFi.

And in such a handy location, you’ll never be more than a few minutes from the library, Students’ Union, your next lecture or a bite to eat in one of the many nearby eateries.

Your new city

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We’re incredibly proud to be part of such a distinctive global city – and we think you will be too.

Manchester is a city of enterprise and sport, culture and diversity. Here, connections are formed and futures begun. Art, science and business coexist and collaborate. Actors and accountants, lawyers and linguists – they’ve all found a home for their ambitions.

We have sporting excellence, culinary creativity, digital innovation and thriving commerce. Entrepreneurs and entertainers. Theatre and music. A rich and distinctive culture. We have character, spirit and personality.

Here, you’ll find people of every type, making leaps in technology, taking strides in industry and creating art in every form. We have a proud heritage to look back on, and a vibrant and diverse future to look forward to, full of possibility and promise.

Your new University

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From advice and support to a fantastic Union and sports clubs, we’ve got your time here covered..

Whether you’re coming to Manchester from another continent or down the road, we’re here to help. As well as our Student Hubs, where you can get all sorts of information and advice, we offer a range of professional support services and social groups for our students.

Being part of our community, you’ll find societies, teams and groups that will help you make the most of your time here. This means you’ll have the chance to pursue your passions, but also to meet people with the same interests.

The Students’ Union is your voice in the University. Through the officials that you elect, the Union supports its members and stands up for your issues. And, with its building at the heart of the campus, it also provides you with a bar, shop, café, and event venue.

Programme ReviewOur programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the latest online learning technology. For further information on when we may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our Terms and Conditions.

Important Notice This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most up to date information for your chosen course of study.

Confirmation of RegulatorThe Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory framework can be found at officeforstudents.org.uk.

All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current Student Protection Plan.